Archives for February 1, 2004

'For instance, roughly $150 million was lent to John's money-losing hockey team, the Buffalo Sabres; $3 million was blown on ''Songcatcher,'' a movie produced by Rigas's daughter, Ellen. Then there was the $13 million plowed into an unfinished golf course, a pet project of his son Tim, who had memberships in some 12 other golf clubs courtesy of Adelphia as well. Millions more were squandered…'.

The Buffalo Sabres put the hurt on the talent infused New York Rangers, not once, but twice this weekend with identical 3-1 victories. The Sabres suddenly have won 4 straight and are actually making a bid for a playoff spot, being 5 points behind the New York Islanders for the 8th and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

'"Guys are feeling like they're accomplishing something, but it's far from being mission accomplished," Biron said. "We have to keep our focus on the goal, and our goal is to keep moving up (the standings), getting some points, getting some wins."'

'"We didn't play poorly, but the chances we had we didn't score on," said Jaromir Jagr, who took four shots in a staggering 25:44. "We have to win games on the boards and get it to the nets and score ugly goals on the power play. Today, the power play didn't work for us. This is the answer why we're 1-4 while I am here."'

'The Sabres then showed how to execute a two-man advantage. They quickly worked the puck low and were predictably rewarded when J.P. Dumont's goalmouth feed caromed behind valiant Rangers goalie Jussi Markkanen off the skate of defenseman Tom Poti.'

'The Rangers have lost four out of five since Jaromir Jagr's arrival, scoring one lonely goal in each of the defeats. They've been outscored 32-14 in losing seven of their last eight. Over the stretch in which they've gone 1-7-2 to slide to 11th place and eight points out of a playoff spot with 29 games to go, they have been outscored 15-2 on the specialty teams — 15-2! Any questions? '

And the difference was special teams. The Rangers had a two-man advantage for 1:26 just 1:07 in and produced only one shot. The Sabres got a two-man advantage a few minutes later and needed only 20 seconds to capitalize, then followed that with another power-play goal later in the first to take a 2-0 lead.

'Including their 3-1 loss to the Sabres last night at HSBC Arena, the Rangers went 4-10-2-1 for the month — 4-8-2-1 against their rivals in the East. They have lost three games in a row and are 1-7-2 in their last 10 games. The Sabres beat them on Friday by a 3-1 score as well, jumping over the Rangers into 10th place in the East. Last night, they moved three points past them into ninth with another victory.'